1.Value of different noninvasive diagnostic models in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices with significant portal hypertension in compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis
Cheng LIU ; Jiayi ZENG ; Mengbing FANG ; Zhiheng CHEN ; Bei GUI ; Fengming ZHAO ; Jingkai YUAN ; Chaozhen ZHANG ; Meijie SHI ; Yubao XIE ; Xiaoling CHI ; Huanming XIAO
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):263-268
ObjectiveTo investigate the value of different noninvasive diagnostic models in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices since there is a high risk of esophageal and gastric varices in patients with compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis and significant portal hypertension, and to provide a basis for the early diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices. MethodsA total of 108 patients with significant portal hypertension due to compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis who attended Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from November 2017 to November 2023 were enrolled, and according to the presence or absence of esophageal and gastric varices under gastroscopy, they were divided into esophageal and gastric varices group (GOV group) and non-esophageal and gastric varices group (NGOV group). Related data were collected, including age, sex, imaging findings, and laboratory markers. The chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups; the least significant difference t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to evaluate the diagnostic value of five scoring models, i.e., fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), LOK index, LPRI, aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI), and aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase ratio (AAR). The binary logistic regression method was used to establish a combined model, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was compared between the combined model and each scoring model used alone. The Delong test was used to compare the AUC value between any two noninvasive diagnostic models. ResultsThere were 55 patients in the GOV group and 53 patients in the NGOV group. Compared with the NGOV group, the GOV group had a significantly higher age (52.64±1.44 years vs 47.96±1.68 years, t=0.453, P<0.05) and significantly lower levels of alanine aminotransferase [42.00 (24.00 — 17.00) U/L vs 82.00 (46.00 — 271.00) U/L, Z=-3.065, P<0.05], aspartate aminotransferase [44.00 (32.00 — 96.00) U/L vs 62.00 (42.50 — 154.50) U/L,Z=-2.351, P<0.05], and platelet count [100.00 (69.00 — 120.00)×109/L vs 119.00 (108.50 — 140.50)×109/L, Z=-3.667, P<0.05]. The ROC curve analysis showed that FIB-4, LOK index, LPRI, and AAR used alone had an accuracy of 0.667, 0.681, 0.730, and 0.639, respectively, in the diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices (all P<0.05), and the positive diagnostic rates of GOV were 69.97%, 65.28%, 67.33%, and 58.86%, respectively, with no significant differences in AUC values (all P>0.05), while APRI used alone had no diagnostic value (P>0.05). A combined model (LAF) was established based on the binary logistic regression analysis and had an AUC of 0.805 and a positive diagnostic rate of GOV of 75.80%, with a significantly higher AUC than FIB-4, LOK index, LPRI, and AAR used alone (Z=-2.773,-2.479,-2.206, and-2.672, all P<0.05). ConclusionFIB-4, LOK index, LPRI, and AAR have a similar diagnostic value for esophageal and gastric varices in patients with compensated hepatitis B cirrhosis and significant portal hypertension, and APRI alone has no diagnostic value. The combined model LAF had the best diagnostic efficacy, which provides a certain reference for clinical promotion and application.
2.Advances in clinical pharmacotherapy for neonatal Ureaplasma urealyticum infection.
Bei-Bo CAI ; Fei-Fei CHEN ; Fang LUO
Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics 2025;27(10):1286-1290
Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) is a common pathogen colonizing or infecting the neonatal respiratory tract. It can be vertically transmitted from mother to infant, irrespective of the duration of premature rupture of membranes and the mode of delivery. UU infection is an important factor contributing to preterm birth and low birth weight and is closely associated with adverse outcomes such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and neurodevelopmental impairment. Given the immaturity of neonatal immune and organ systems, pharmacologic treatment must balance efficacy and safety. Currently, no unified standard regimen has been established for the treatment of neonatal UU infection. This review summarizes pharmacotherapeutic options for neonatal UU infection to inform clinical practice.
Humans
;
Ureaplasma Infections/drug therapy*
;
Infant, Newborn
;
Ureaplasma urealyticum
;
Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use*
3.The characteristics and implication of WHO Essential Medicines Model List 2023
Yu-Bei HAN ; Wen-Chen LIU ; Chen CHEN ; Cai-Jun YANG ; Yu FANG
Chinese Journal of Health Policy 2024;17(2):53-58
The present analysis was based on the iteration of the 2023 WHO Essential Medicines Model List(23rd list)and Essential Medicines Model List for Children(9th list).In a methodological fashion,the adjustment procedure of the basic drug list and the materials required to submit the application were sorted out.Subsequently,a comprehensive synthesis of predominant features characterizing the 2023 edition of the EML and EMLc are summarized(offered).Notably,this edition boasts the highest count of medicines ever included featuring extensive inclusion of innovative drugs to fill the gap,select medicines for children carefully,and the emphasizing on clinical benefit evidence and public health affordability.It is suggested that China should update the NEML according to the national conditions and the experience of WHO as soon as possible,pay attention to the difference and connection between the list of essential medicines and the list of medical insurance,and play a meticulous role for establishing effective linkages between two lists.Such measures are envisaged to meet the basic drug needs,and ensure the accessibility and affordability of drugs,thereby optimizing the allocation of health resources.
4.Inhibition of miR-30d-5p promotes mitochondrial autophagy and alleviates high glucose-induced injury in podocytes.
Ying CAI ; Sheng CHEN ; Xiaoli JIANG ; Qiyuan WU ; Bei GUO ; Fang WANG
Journal of Zhejiang University. Medical sciences 2024;53(6):756-764
OBJECTIVES:
To study the role of microRNA (miR)-30d-5p in high glucose-induced podocyte injury.
METHODS:
Podocytes were hyperglycated with 30 mmol/L glucose, transfected with miR-30d-5p inhibitor and mimic, and then treated with 1 mg/mL 3-methyladenine (3-MA). The transfection efficiency of miR-30d-5p was quantified by reverse transcription PCR. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. The expressions of nephrin, microtubule-associated protein light chain (LC) 3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ, P62, autophagy-related gene (ATG) 5, PTEN induced putative kinase (PINK) 1 and Parkin gene (PARK2) were detected by Western blotting. The mito-chondrial membrane potential was detected by JC-1 fluorescent probe, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content in cells was detected by relevant kits.
RESULTS:
Under high glucose induction, podocyte apoptosis increased, miR-30d-5p and P62 expressions were upregulated, while nephrin, ATG5, PINK1, PARK2 and LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ expressions decreased (all P<0.01). MiR-30d-5p inhibitor reversed the effect of high glucose on apoptosis, and the expression of ATG5, PINK1, PARK2, nephrin, LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ and P62 (all P<0.01). High glucose induced loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content in podocytes, while inhibition of miR-30d-5p increased them. Autophagy inhibitors 3-MA and miR-30d-5p mimics reversed the effects of miR-30d-5p inhibition on apoptosis, autophagy and mitochondrial function of podocytes induced by high glucose (all P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS
Inhibition of miR-30d-5p may promote mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) by promoting the expression of ATG5, PINK1, PARK2 and alleviating high glucose-induced podocyte damage.
Podocytes/drug effects*
;
MicroRNAs/metabolism*
;
Glucose/adverse effects*
;
Autophagy/drug effects*
;
Animals
;
Mice
;
Autophagy-Related Protein 5/genetics*
;
Apoptosis/drug effects*
;
Mitochondria/metabolism*
;
Ubiquitin-Protein Ligases/genetics*
;
Membrane Proteins/genetics*
;
Membrane Potential, Mitochondrial/drug effects*
;
Microtubule-Associated Proteins/genetics*
;
Protein Kinases
5.New research advances in hypertrophic scar formation, prevention and treatment.
Ling CHEN ; Hui YAN ; Bei ZHOU ; Yong Fang XU ; Jun LI
Chinese Journal of Preventive Medicine 2023;57(4):597-606
Scarring, naturally induced by fibroblasts(Fb) during wound healing, is an essential process in response to repair damaged tissue. Excessive Fb proliferation which produces the excessive collagen deposition, including increased extracellular matrix synthesis or insufficient decomposition, typically contributes to hypertrophic scar(HS) formation. Although exact mechanisms of HS are not yet fully understood, it is generally believed that dysfunction of Fb and regulation of signal pathways play an important role in HS formation. Biologically, Fb function is affected by various factors such as cytokines, extracellular matrix and itself. In addition, modifications of miRNA, ceRNA, lncRNA, peptides and histones participate in HS formation by affecting the biological function of Fb. Despite the clinical importance, very few therapeutic modalities are available to prevent HS. To achieve this, a deeper characterization of Fb is required to identify mechanisms of HS. To the aspect of HS prevention and treatment, we review recent findings, concentrating on Fb function and collagen secretion. The objective of this article is to frame the current understanding, gain the deeper insights into Fb function, and provide the more comprehensive cognition and perspective for prevention and treatment of HS.
Humans
;
Cicatrix, Hypertrophic/metabolism*
;
Collagen/therapeutic use*
;
Fibroblasts
;
Signal Transduction
;
Extracellular Matrix/metabolism*
6.Safety and efficacy of the early administration of levosimendan in patients with acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and elevated NT-proBNP levels: An Early Management Strategy of Acute Heart Failure (EMS-AHF).
Feng XU ; Yuan BIAN ; Guo Qiang ZHANG ; Lu Yao GAO ; Yu Fa LIU ; Tong Xiang LIU ; Gang LI ; Rui Xue SONG ; Li Jun SU ; Yan Ju ZHOU ; Jia Yu CUI ; Xian Liang YAN ; Fang Ming GUO ; Huan Yi ZHANG ; Qing Hui LI ; Min ZHAO ; Li Kun MA ; Bei An YOU ; Ge WANG ; Li KONG ; Jian Liang MA ; Xin Fu ZHOU ; Ze Long CHANG ; Zhen Yu TANG ; Dan Yu YU ; Kai CHENG ; Li XUE ; Xiao LI ; Jiao Jiao PANG ; Jia Li WANG ; Hai Tao ZHANG ; Xue Zhong YU ; Yu Guo CHEN
Chinese Journal of Internal Medicine 2023;62(4):374-383
Objectives: To investigated the safety and efficacy of treating patients with acute non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and elevated levels of N-terminal pro-hormone B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) with levosimendan within 24 hours of first medical contact (FMC). Methods: This multicenter, open-label, block-randomized controlled trial (NCT03189901) investigated the safety and efficacy of levosimendan as an early management strategy of acute heart failure (EMS-AHF) for patients with NSTEMI and high NT-proBNP levels. This study included 255 patients with NSTEMI and elevated NT-proBNP levels, including 142 males and 113 females with a median age of 65 (58-70) years, and were admitted in the emergency or outpatient departments at 14 medical centers in China between October 2017 and October 2021. The patients were randomly divided into a levosimendan group (n=129) and a control group (n=126). The primary outcome measure was NT-proBNP levels on day 3 of treatment and changes in the NT-proBNP levels from baseline on day 5 after randomization. The secondary outcome measures included the proportion of patients with more than 30% reduction in NT-proBNP levels from baseline, major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during hospitalization and at 6 months after hospitalization, safety during the treatment, and health economics indices. The measurement data parameters between groups were compared using the t-test or the non-parametric test. The count data parameters were compared between groups using the χ² test. Results: On day 3, the NT-proBNP levels in the levosimendan group were lower than the control group but were statistically insignificant [866 (455, 1 960) vs. 1 118 (459, 2 417) ng/L, Z=-1.25,P=0.21]. However, on day 5, changes in the NT-proBNP levels from baseline in the levosimendan group were significantly higher than the control group [67.6% (33.8%,82.5%)vs.54.8% (7.3%,77.9%), Z=-2.14, P=0.03]. There were no significant differences in the proportion of patients with more than 30% reduction in the NT-proBNP levels on day 5 between the levosimendan and the control groups [77.5% (100/129) vs. 69.0% (87/126), χ²=2.34, P=0.13]. Furthermore, incidences of MACE did not show any significant differences between the two groups during hospitalization [4.7% (6/129) vs. 7.1% (9/126), χ²=0.72, P=0.40] and at 6 months [14.7% (19/129) vs. 12.7% (16/126), χ²=0.22, P=0.64]. Four cardiac deaths were reported in the control group during hospitalization [0 (0/129) vs. 3.2% (4/126), P=0.06]. However, 6-month survival rates were comparable between the two groups (log-rank test, P=0.18). Moreover, adverse events or serious adverse events such as shock, ventricular fibrillation, and ventricular tachycardia were not reported in both the groups during levosimendan treatment (days 0-1). The total cost of hospitalization [34 591.00(15 527.46,59 324.80) vs. 37 144.65(16 066.90,63 919.00)yuan, Z=-0.26, P=0.80] and the total length of hospitalization [9 (8, 12) vs. 10 (7, 13) days, Z=0.72, P=0.72] were lower for patients in the levosimendan group compared to those in the control group, but did not show statistically significant differences. Conclusions: Early administration of levosimendan reduced NT-proBNP levels in NSTEMI patients with elevated NT-proBNP and did not increase the total cost and length of hospitalization, but did not significantly improve MACE during hospitalization or at 6 months.
Male
;
Female
;
Humans
;
Aged
;
Natriuretic Peptide, Brain
;
Simendan/therapeutic use*
;
Non-ST Elevated Myocardial Infarction
;
Heart Failure/drug therapy*
;
Peptide Fragments
;
Arrhythmias, Cardiac
;
Biomarkers
;
Prognosis
7.Cerebral Venous Reflux and Dilated Basal Ganglia Perivascular Space in Hypertensive Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Hsin-Hsi TSAI ; Bo-Ching LEE ; Ya-Fang CHEN ; Jiann-Shing JENG ; Li-Kai TSAI
Journal of Stroke 2022;24(3):363-371
Background:
and Purpose Cerebral venous flow alterations potentially contribute to age-related white matter changes, but their role in small vessel disease has not been investigated.
Methods:
This study included 297 patients with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) who underwent magnetic resonance imaging. Cerebral venous reflux (CVR) was defined as the presence of abnormal signal intensity in the dural venous sinuses or internal jugular vein on time-of-flight angiography. We investigated the association between CVR, dilated perivascular spaces (PVS), and recurrent stroke risk.
Results:
CVR was observed in 38 (12.8%) patients. Compared to patients without CVR those with CVR were more likely to have high grade (>20 in the number) dilated PVS in the basal ganglia (60.5% vs. 35.1%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.64; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25 to 5.60; P=0.011) and large PVS (>3 mm in diameter) (50.0% vs. 18.5%; aOR, 3.87; 95% CI, 1.85 to 8.09; P<0.001). During a median follow-up of 18 months, patients with CVR had a higher recurrent stroke rate (13.6%/year vs. 6.2%/year; aOR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.09 to 5.84; P=0.03) than those without CVR.
Conclusions
CVR may contribute to the formation of enlarged PVS and increase the risk of recurrent stroke in patients with hypertensive ICH.
8.Preclinical studies of the triazolo1,5-apyrimidine derivative WS-716 as a highly potent, specific and orally active P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitor.
Sai-Qi WANG ; Qiu-Xu TENG ; Shuai WANG ; Zi-Ning LEI ; Hui-Hui HU ; Hui-Fang LV ; Bei-Bei CHEN ; Jian-Zheng WANG ; Xiao-Jing SHI ; Wei-Feng XU ; Hong-Min LIU ; Xiao-Bing CHEN ; Zhe-Sheng CHEN ; Bin YU
Acta Pharmaceutica Sinica B 2022;12(8):3263-3280
Multidrug resistance (MDR) is the main cause of clinical treatment failure and poor prognosis in cancer. Targeting P-glycoprotein (P-gp) has been regarded as an effective strategy to overcome MDR. In this work, we reported our preclinical studies of the triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-based compound WS-716 as a highly potent, specific, and orally active P-gp inhibitor. Through direct binding to P-gp, WS-716 inhibited efflux function of P-gp and specifically reversed P-gp-mediated MDR to paclitaxel (PTX) in multiple resistant cell lines, without changing its expression or subcellular localization. WS-716 and PTX synergistically inhibited formation of colony and 3D spheroid, induced apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in resistant SW620/Ad300 cells. In addition, WS-716 displayed minimal effect on the drug-metabolizing enzyme cytochrome P4503A4 (CYP3A4). Importantly, WS-716 increased sensitivity of both pre-clinically and clinically derived MDR tumors to PTX in vivo with the T/C value of 29.7% in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models. Relative to PTX treatment alone, combination of WS-716 and PTX caused no obvious adverse reactions. Taken together, our preclinical studies revealed therapeutic promise of WS-716 against MDR cancer, the promising data warrant its further development for cancer therapy.
9.Effect of Huangqisan Pellets on PI3K/Akt/mTOR Signaling Pathway and Autophagy in Kidney of Diabetic Nephropathy Rats
Bei-feng LIE ; Fang CHENG ; Ting-ting DUAN ; Min-yi LI ; De-qi CHEN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2022;28(7):11-17
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Huangqisan pellets (HQS) on the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway and autophagy in the kidney of diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats. MethodDN rat model was established through high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg·kg-1). DN rats were randomly assigned into model group, irbesartan (0.027 g·kg-1) group, low-dose HQS (0.54 g·kg-1) group and high-dose HQS (1.08 g·kg-1) group. The levels of 24 h urinary total protein (UTP), serum albumin (Alb), serum creatinine (SCr), urea nitrogen (BUN), triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were measured after 12 weeks of continuous administration. The pathological changes of renal tissue were observed via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The expression of podocyte split diaphragm proteins nephrin and podocin in the renal tissue were detected by immunohistochemistry. The protein levels and phosphorylation of key proteins in PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, as well as the expression of yeast Atg6 homolog (Beclin1) and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) in the renal tissue were analyzed by Western blot. ResultCompared with the control group, the model group showcased increased 24 h UTP, SCr, BUN, TG, and TC levels and decreased Alb level (P<0.01). After modeling, the rats showed granulosity of epithelial cells of renal tubules, thickening of capillary basement membrane, proliferation of mesangial cells, and sclerosis of glomerulus. Furthermore, modeling down-regulated the expression of nephrin and podocin in the podocyte hiatus of glomerulus (P<0.01) as well as the protein levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR and the autophagy markers LC3 and Beclin1 in renal tissue (P<0.01). Compared with model group, irbesartan and HQS decreased the 24 h UTP, Cr, BUN, TG, and TC levels, increased the Alb level, and alleviated the pathological damage of kidney. Moreover, they up-regulated the expression of Nephrin and Podocin in the podocyte hiatus of glomerulus, as well as the protein levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, p-mTOR, LC3, and Beclin1 in renal tissue (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionHQS may inhibit the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to enhance podocyte autophagy and protect the glomerulus, thus slowing down the development of DN.
10.Research on the emergency surgery risks of medical support and coping strategies for taikonauts of Shenzhou-12 astronauts
Ji LIU ; Heming YANG ; Xiaotong LOU ; Ruijuan WANG ; Rong TAN ; Lianyong LI ; Gang WANG ; Bei ZHAO ; Rui CHEN ; Guoxin HAN ; Bo YANG ; Xing PENG ; Xueping SONG ; Yu HE ; Weiwu FANG ; Jianwen GU
Chinese Journal of Emergency Medicine 2022;31(6):740-747
Objective:This study aims to analyze the characteristics and basic principles of emergency surgery risks and anesthesia care of medical support at the landing site for China’s taikonauts of the Shenzhou-12, and to summarize China’s experience in medical support at the landing site for manned spaceflight, and ensure supports in special environments such as an emergency return of manned spaceflight.Methods:This study was carried out through literature research on relevant reports on the emergency surgery risks and aids of domestic and foreign astronauts at the landing sites, and summaries of the experience in medical support for taikonauts of spacecrafts from Shenzhou-5 to Shenzhou-11 at the landing sites. At the same time, according to the characteristics of Shenzhou-12 such as the long on-orbit time, the adjustment in the landing area, the optimization of the mission mode, and new search and rescue power, a series of organization, pre-arranged planning, equipment allocation, and effective anesthesia treatment plan were proposed and inspected in practice.Results:Based on the original anesthesia care plan of medical support, the first-aid carrier was adjusted and modified, the first-aid procedure was optimized, a new generation of supraglottic airway opening tool, video laryngoscope, portable ultrasound, and other devices were added, and the anesthesia care plan at the landing site for manned spaceflight was formulated to provide strong support for the medical care of taikonauts that had stayed in the outer space for a long time.Conclusions:Upon the targeted improvement and process optimization, the anesthesia care plan of medical support for taikonauts of Shenzhen-12 in the landing area fully meets the anesthesia requirement of medical support in special environments such as the emergency return of the taikonauts that have stayed in the outer space for a long time under the new orbital altitude.

Result Analysis
Print
Save
E-mail